29 July 2026
Ministerial reshuffle – Phillipson out but Jacqui Smith stays
Andy Burnham’s changes in ministerial appointments see Bridget Phillipson replaced as Secretary of State for Education by Lucy Powell, who also retains her role as the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. Bridget Phillipson remains Minister for Women and equalities reporting into the Cabinet Office.
Baroness Jacqui Smith has been reappointed as Skills Minister sitting across the DfE and DWP, while Georgia Gould also retained her role as schools minister. At the top of the DWP, Pat McFadden was also reappointed as the Secretary of State.
Lucy Powell is the MP for central Manchester and weas an early supporter of Andy Burnham’s return to parliament. She has been Deputy Labour Party Leader since 2025 when she beat Bridget Phillipson to the role.
Baroness Jacqui Smith has been reappointed as Skills Minister sitting across the DfE and DWP, while Georgia Gould also retained her role as schools minister. At the top of the DWP, Pat McFadden was also reappointed as the Secretary of State.
Lucy Powell is the MP for central Manchester and weas an early supporter of Andy Burnham’s return to parliament. She has been Deputy Labour Party Leader since 2025 when she beat Bridget Phillipson to the role.
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